Abstract
Whether it is nutrition, medical care, the nutraceutical industry, or safety and
quality regulatory bodies, dietary antioxidants are at the core of the narrative,
where the fascinating xanthophyll carotenoids (XCs) are the quintessential
antioxidants.
This dissertation is an investigation into the bioavailability of the XCs lutein (L),
zeaxanthin (Z), and meso-zeaxanthin (MZ) in nutritional supplements, their
measurement in human tissue, and their environmental and nutritional
determinants in human beings.
To achieve this, the methodology to quantify these XCs at the retina, in terms of
macular pigment (MP), had to be established. The first part of this dissertation
presents the two studies conducted to standardize the measurement and report
of MP: a validation study, where the Spectralis MPOD module is presented as a
reliable and feasible technique, and a new metric for reporting MP is proposed,
called MP optical volume (MPOV) that accounts for MP profile and distribution;
and a descriptive study, which reports MP and its constituents in serum and diet
for the first time in a Mexican sample. In addition, it describes sunlight exposure
and dietary patterns as determinants of MP.
Based on this standardized and proposed methodology, a 6-month, multiplearm,
randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. A novel formulation
with acetate derivatives of L, Z, and MZ, was found to have better bioavailability
by producing a higher response in serum for Z and MZ, in comparison with
classic microcrystals-in-oil formulations.
Currently, these XCs have been proven to enhance visual performance and are
potential preventive and therapeutic agents in retinal pathology. Understanding
the complex interactions of these carotenoids would help improve the role of
these antioxidants in human health. This research has progressed our scientific
knowledge in a way that we can improve the delivery of these natural
micronutrients to enhance human health and function.
Original language | English |
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Awarding Institution | |
Supervisors/Advisors |
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Publication status | Unpublished - 2021 |
Keywords
- Carotenoid-Omega Bioavailability, COAST